No rides planned over the winter months.
Bike ride at a relaxed sociable pace, occasional and less experienced cyclists, to encourage cycling for active travel and leisure.
Tuesday, 24 November 2015
Thursday, 22 October 2015
Saturday 31st October ride to Harburn and West Calder
Route Map
Post Ride
14 on the ride, including 5 first timers. Unfortunately the timing of rain with punctures (first on our rides) led to a shortened route.
The route is mix of the Livingston path network, quiet minor country road and surfaced track. Suitable for all bike & tyre types.
We will start at 1030am from Howden Park Centre, Livingston and take the Livingston path network to - The Lanthorn, Dedridge Pond, Livingston South Station, Murieston Trail - Skivo. (short hill, ok to get off and walk) Harburn - quiet back roads to Harwood and West Calder. Toilets and refreshments at West Calder Community Center. There is a machine serving hot and cold drinks. Bring something to eat or buy at a nearby shop.
From West Calder, we take the recently completed Community Links path to Polbeth, Bellsquarry and path for the return by Adambrae - Livingston Village and back to HPC.
We will start at 1030am from Howden Park Centre, Livingston and take the Livingston path network to - The Lanthorn, Dedridge Pond, Livingston South Station, Murieston Trail - Skivo. (short hill, ok to get off and walk) Harburn - quiet back roads to Harwood and West Calder. Toilets and refreshments at West Calder Community Center. There is a machine serving hot and cold drinks. Bring something to eat or buy at a nearby shop.
From West Calder, we take the recently completed Community Links path to Polbeth, Bellsquarry and path for the return by Adambrae - Livingston Village and back to HPC.
- The distance is about 17 miles. You can also drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with.
- There is no need to wear special cycle clothing something comfy. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
- Bring waterproof jacket & trousers, snacks and bottle of water, small tool kit for your bike, spare inner-tube, ensure the valve is the same as the existing one.
- Check your bike is safe to ride. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier. The recommended pressure can be found on the side of the tyre, typically 35-85 PSI or 3-6 Bar.
To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending.
Post Ride
14 on the ride, including 5 first timers. Unfortunately the timing of rain with punctures (first on our rides) led to a shortened route.
It's not that you are "stuck in a traffic jam." It's that you are the traffic jam ! (Harry Horse, SH 05/02/06)
Thursday, 17 September 2015
Saturday 3rd October Ride. Bangour & Brox Burn Path
Route Map
The route is mix of the Livingston path network, National Cycle Network route 75, quiet road and surfaced track. Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy.
The ride will start at 1030am from Howden Park Centre, Livingston and will take the Livingston path network to the north of Livingston Village, ridge across Cousland Road to Peel Park the site of the place Livingston got its name from. Path, to Eliburn Reservoir, path up to Woodlands Park.
Out onto the cycle path by the A89. Cross the road and into the grounds of the former Bangour Village Hospital. Come out at Dechmont and back onto the cycle path to the bridge over the A89.
Across the bridge to Uphall and the Open Door Cafe. The cafe is run by The Busy Project charity, menu is mainly toasties & filled rolls, with nice looking cake.
We go down along the Brox Burn path which run the length of Broxburn following the burn.
When it meets the Union Canal we will follow it out of Broxburn to Muirend where we join a quiet road to the north gate of Almondell Park. Continue through the park and Almond Park on route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network and back to HPC.
The distance is about 17 miles. You can also meet up and drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. There is no need to wear special cycle clothing something comfy. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
The ride will start at 1030am from Howden Park Centre, Livingston and will take the Livingston path network to the north of Livingston Village, ridge across Cousland Road to Peel Park the site of the place Livingston got its name from. Path, to Eliburn Reservoir, path up to Woodlands Park.
Out onto the cycle path by the A89. Cross the road and into the grounds of the former Bangour Village Hospital. Come out at Dechmont and back onto the cycle path to the bridge over the A89.
Across the bridge to Uphall and the Open Door Cafe. The cafe is run by The Busy Project charity, menu is mainly toasties & filled rolls, with nice looking cake.
We go down along the Brox Burn path which run the length of Broxburn following the burn.
When it meets the Union Canal we will follow it out of Broxburn to Muirend where we join a quiet road to the north gate of Almondell Park. Continue through the park and Almond Park on route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network and back to HPC.
The distance is about 17 miles. You can also meet up and drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. There is no need to wear special cycle clothing something comfy. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
Take a waterproof, snacks and bottle of water, spare inner-tube a small tool kit for your bike.
Ensure your bike is in good working order. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier. The recommended pressure can be found on the side of the tyre, typically 35-85 PSI or 3-6 Bar.
To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending.
Post Ride
14 came along including 5 newcomers. GPS Trace by a newcomer.
The bicycle has done more for the emancipation of women than anything else in the world ~ Susan B Anthony
October News
Post Ride
14 came along including 5 newcomers. GPS Trace by a newcomer.
The bicycle has done more for the emancipation of women than anything else in the world ~ Susan B Anthony
October News
The next ride is on Saturday 31st October
Sunday, 9 August 2015
Saturday 5th September Ride. Bathgate, Armadale, Seafield
Route Map
Continuing on the new link between Starlaw and Boghall roundabout, cycle path to rejoin the NCN 75 into Bathgate and continuing to Armadale. Stopping at Armadale Community Centre for refreshments, either bring something to eat and drink or buy at the nearby Coop.
The distance is about 21 miles. You can also meet up and drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. There is no need to wear special cycle clothing, something comfy.
The route is mix of the Livingston path network, National Cycle Network route 75, quiet road and surfaced track.
The ride will start at 1030am from Howden Park Centre and go along route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network to Livingston Village, NCN 75 to Starlaw Road cycle path stopping off for a short visit to Tailend Moss
The ride will start at 1030am from Howden Park Centre and go along route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network to Livingston Village, NCN 75 to Starlaw Road cycle path stopping off for a short visit to Tailend Moss
Return along Colinshiel Road to Bathgate
and back onto NCN 75 across Easter Inch Moss. Turning off at Seafield
and dropping down to the river Almond and along the upgraded Easter
Breich path beside the river, onto the Livington path network and back to HPC.
Take a waterproof, snacks and bottle of water, spare inner-tube a small tool kit for your bike.
Ensure
your bike is in good working order. Recommend checking it over the day
before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the
tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier. The
recommended pressure can be found on the side of the tyre, typically
35-85 PSI or 3-6 Bar.
To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending.
Post Ride
14 turned up, including 5 newcomers on a bright sunny day. Some came to find new routes, and some found paths they did not know existed.
“Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” ~ H.G. Wells
September News
Post Ride
14 turned up, including 5 newcomers on a bright sunny day. Some came to find new routes, and some found paths they did not know existed.
Pentlands from Seafield to Easter Breich path |
“Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” ~ H.G. Wells
September News
Saturday, 9 May 2015
Saturday 1st August Ride to Ratho Climbing Centre
The route is a mix of the Livingston path network, quiet minor country road and surfaced track. The distance is about 16 miles. Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy.
Return by the canal tow path across Linns Mill Aqueduct to Muirend and by quiet road to Roman Camps and onto the Uphall to East Calder track and across the Almondell Viaduct above the park to Almondell Park returning to the HPC.
If you feel the ride may be beyond your ability you are welcome to come along a cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. There is no need to wear special cycle clothing something comfy.
Take a waterproof, snacks and bottle of water, spare inner-tube a small tool kit for your bike.
Ensure your bike is in good working order. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier. The recommended pressure can be found on the side of the tyre, typically 35-85 PSI or 3-6 Bar.
To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending.
Post Ride
The sun shone for the 13 who came along, including 5 newcomers. After the rain of previous days there was a wee bit of slippy mud on the canal tow path and the viaduct path above Almondell.
Post Ride
Under the viaduct |
Dry canal tow path |
Over the viaduct |
The next ride will be on Saturday 5th September
Tuesday, 14 April 2015
Saturday 2nd May Ride to Bathgate & Bangour
Meet at Howden Park Centre in time for a 10:30 start
Anyone coming from in or near Bathgate may wish to join us at the Xcite Sports Centre, Balbardie Park and return from Livingston on the NCN75.
For those who are joining us at Bathgate we would be arriving no earlier than 12, probably a bit after and leaving 12:45 or shortly after.
Route Map
The route is mix of Sustrans National Cycle Network route 75 to Bathgate, quiet country road to Bangour and Livingston path network.
Anyone coming from in or near Bathgate may wish to join us at the Xcite Sports Centre, Balbardie Park and return from Livingston on the NCN75.
For those who are joining us at Bathgate we would be arriving no earlier than 12, probably a bit after and leaving 12:45 or shortly after.
Route Map
The route is mix of Sustrans National Cycle Network route 75 to Bathgate, quiet country road to Bangour and Livingston path network.
We start on the NCN 75 off road path to Bathgate across Seafield Law and Easter Inch Moss. Watch out for the speed bumps on the path after the motorway bridge and The Pyramids. Stopping at Xcite Sports Centre in Balbardie Park, Bathgate for refreshment stop where there is a cafe or bring something to eat.
Return by climbing up Drumcross Road. There is a short steep ascent to Bucknowes Drive split in two via Glenmavis Drive, it is OK to walk. Then ascending gently to the top and a long decent on country road to the old Bangour Village Hospital, through the grounds to Dechmont and onto the Livington path network and back to HPC.
The distance is about 16 miles. If you feel that the ride may be beyond your ability you are welcome to come along and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. There is no need to wear special cycle clothing, something comfy.
Take a waterproof, snacks and bottle of water, spare inner tube and small tool kit for your bike.
Ensure your bike is in good working order. Recommend checking the bike over the day before the ride. checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated, and the tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier.
To let us know how many to expect, add some details to Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending.
Post Ride
A tail wind carried us on the outward journey across Easter Inch Moss to Bathgate for refreshments at Xcite, Balbardie Park. Then it was a climb up Drumcross Road, some decided to walk to "admire the view" with a cool easterly wind on the long decent to Bangour. A short run through the Livingston path network back to the start point at Howden Park Centre.
The next ride is on the 6th of June.
May news
The next ride is on the 6th of June.
May news
Thursday, 12 February 2015
Saturday 11th April Ride to Harburn & West Calder
Note change of date from 4th to 11th due to Easter Holiday
Meet at Howden Park Centre for 10:30 start.
Route Map
The route is mix of the Livingston path network , quiet minor country road and surfaced track.
The distance is about 16 miles. You can also meet up and drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with.
There is no need to wear special cycle clothing, something comfy. Jeans are not recommended. Take a waterproof, snacks and bottle of water, spare inner tube and small tool kit for your bike. Ensure your bike is in good working order. Recommend checking the bike over the day before the ride. checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated, and the tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier.
To let us know how many to expect, add some details to Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending.
Post Ride
After a week of warm sunny weather Saturdays forecast was showing a mix of sun with occasional showers and winds of 20mph.
11 turned up including 3 newcomers. Some others probably looked at the forecast and decided not to come this time. Always a tricky decision when the forecast looks doubtful, maybe next time.
We set off in a cool breeze with blue skies and as we approached the short climb at Skivo the skies to the west darkened and soon turned to sleet blowing into the face as we headed west. As we quickly descended from Harburn blue skies reappeared. It was nice to get to the to the warmth and shelter at West Calder Community Centre.
The return was with a sunny tail wind along the partly completed Councils & Sustrans match funded Community Links cycle path between West Calder and Polbeth.
Apart from the soaking sleet the day was sunny if a bit breezy and cool.
It's not that you are "stuck in a traffic jam." It's that you are the traffic jam ! (Harry Horse, SH 05/02/06)
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